City-wide Protests, Strike Rock Hong Kong

Protesters gathered at different venues dressed in black as the campaign against the government entered a new phase on Monday.

Demonstrators have planned simultaneous rallies in seven locations around town amid the call for a general strike.

In one of the rallies, thousands gathered at Tamar Park. A secondary six graduate who gave her surname as Wong, said her family was supportive of her attending the protests. But she said in school, only half of her classmates were concerned about the issue.

Many people dressed in black are joining protests at several venues in Kowloon and the New Territories, including Tai Po.

Large groups of people gathered at a small football pitch there. Many of them were holding umbrellas under the scorching sun.

Some were holding banners in yellow with messages against the now-suspended extradition bill and shouting slogans like “Hong Kong people, add oil!”

In Mong Kok, some people even brought along their children.

Some parents said although children may not understand, they have the responsibility to teach and let the kids know what is happening in society. One mother said she hopes that children understand that Hong Kong is their home and it is everyone's responsibility to fight against injustice.

One aviation worker who turned up in Mong Kok criticised Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s speech on Monday morning, saying she shirked her responsibilities as someone in power.

He said if the government had proactively handled and assumed responsibility at the outset, the situation would not have got this bad.

Protests were also held at Wong Tai Sin, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun.